What Are Microaggressions?

A microaggression is a statement, action or incident regarded as an instance of indirect, subtle or unintentional discrimination against members of a marginalised group, such as a racial or ethnic minority.  

Microaggressions may include: 

  • Not being included 
  • Not being acknowledged – socially or professionally 
  • Being made to feel ‘different’  

Examples of Microaggressions

  • Touching someone's hair 
  • Crossing over to the other side of the street to avoid someone from a different ethnicity 
  • Being treated less favourably or with more suspicion in a shop than a white person 
  • Ignoring someone's messages in a group chat 
  • Offering more support or help to white students 
  • Talking over people with lived experiences of the issue 

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